Zate Virus Ransomware (.zate File) Removal

What is Zate ransomware?

Zate ransomware is a member of the STOP/Djvu ransomware family, utilizing the Salsa20 cipher to encrypt your files and append a .zate extension to them. Such files become inaccessible through conventional means. Beyond encrypting files, this malware also manipulates system settings, undermining security mechanisms. These modifications could potentially cause system instability and complicate routine computer usage.

The encryption strength of Zate ransomware makes brute force attempts futile, given the impracticality of generating and testing the vast array of possible keys. While certain decryption tools, possessing pre-compromised keys, might offer a slim chance of file recovery, the broader threat lies in the ransomware's system configuration alterations. These changes can severely limit your ability to install new programs or access specific websites, posing a significant problem, particularly for those without critical data backups.

The most effective defense against ransomware is prevention. Many infections by the Zate virus stem from the use of pirated software and illegal tools. Such programs are often distributed via peer-to-peer networks and third-party "software collector" sites, offered for free after being cracked to bypass license verification. Hackers, compensated for embedding malicious code into these applications, have a clear incentive to continue these practices. Thus, understanding and avoiding the sources of such threats is crucial.

Encryption process

The Zate ransomware uses the Salsa20 encryption algorithm. That is not the strongest method, but it still provides an overwhelming amount of possible decryption keys. To brute force the 78-digit number of keys, you need 3.5 unvigintillion years (1*10^65), even if you use the most powerful regular PC. Quantum computers can show a bit better results, but it is still too slow to get your files back while you are alive.

The exact algorithm of encryption is next: malware scans each folder for the files it is able to encrypt. Then, when it finds the target, it makes a copy of your file, removes the original one, encrypts the copy and leaves it instead of the removed original. Such a procedure is done to prevent the situation when you have already opened the file, so ransomware is not able to read it because of the Windows restrictions. To each encrypted copy, the virus adds the specific extension - ".zate". Then, ransomware creates a _readme.txt file in the folder where the encrypted file is located, and goes to the next folder.

Such an encryption method can be exploited for file recovery. Since the original file is deleted, you may try to recover it using the file recovery tools. The less time is passed - the bigger the chance to get your files back, so hurry up!

Another specific moment that can help you to use the files even after the encryption is the fact that Zate ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of each file. Hence, you can try to run a big file, such as video or music, without the encryption. Similar feature also works with other ransomware families - Dharma, Conti and Makop encrypt the same 150KB.

Ransom note: _readme.txt

Ransom note is the same for the whole ransomware family. In fact, it is one of the main signs of to which family the certain ransomware belongs. Here is the typical note for STOP/Djvu family:

External Links:

🔗 HowToFix.Guide: How To Decrypt .zate Files?

Indicators of Compromise(IOC)

File Name	MD5	File Size
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	28f81b0cb82471dbf9d119bc86559fe7	293376
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	d9e025a3c7e00f72a63c470f7bdb89d3	1273856
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	e9b7c85c3e551f290cac927eeef30c5c	293376
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	a40602f46468a351e0549599dbb81d85	292864
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	20ea5b4492e84b6a91c4b7a55e9637bf	1273856
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	728cadc487ea5f0470bc4b7837fdd966	293376
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	31fdff166d9a1b5b391a04d8c32d3d2e	292864
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	6843c59f36049c4995bb8b8d7388c480	292352
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	fae66e8ed0befe8bc3f2f7d3d9c15546	1273856
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	ae726b9276b32340faf8fbc2d5035303	292864